A rampant Wales side has stormed into the quarter finals of the Emirates Airline South Africa Sevens, the second event in the 2010/11 HSBC Sevens World Series.
Paul John’s men proved unbeatable in George on day one, overturning last weekend’s defeat to Australia before brushing aside Scotland and France to set up a quarter-final showdown against big hitting Samoa.
Wales will take heart from last weekend’s pool clash in Dubai where they drew 21-21 with the south sea islanders.
Samoa finished second in their group having drawn 14-14 with Fiji but look a shadow of the side which performed so well last season.
Wales got their campaign off to a perfect start with a comprehensive 33-15 victory over Australia in their opening Pool A clash.
Tries by Richie Pugh and Rhys Shellard, along with two conversions by Gareth Davies gave Wales a 14-10 lead.
Paul John’s men turned the screw in the second spell with Ifan Evans, Rhodri Davies and Aaron Shingler storming over before the Aussies hit back late through Trent Dyer.
The fast improving Scotland pushed Wales hard in their next encounter but ultimately the Dragons had too much experience and secured a 19-7 victory.
Pugh and Evans scored first half tries for a 12-0 lead before Scotland hit back early in the second half through Ross Samson but a converted try by Tom Isaacs ensured Wales remained unbeaten going into their next game against France.
A rampant Wales side blew the French away in an opening onslaught which saw Isaacs race over before Shingler snared a hat trick to put Wales in command 24-7 at the break.
Shingler still wasn’t finished, racing over midway through the second spell before Jean Baptiste Belanger scored a belated try for the French, but it was too little too late with Wales prevailing 29-12.
A delighted Paul John, said: “We’re glad we’ve managed to put good back to back day one’s together – we don’t normally manage that. To go unbeaten on day one is great – winning against Australia put us in pole position.
“It’s been a good day – now we’re through to the quarter finals and we now have to see what tomorrow brings. The boys will be recharged and try and go that extra step.”
Cup quarter finals:
Wales v Samoa
South Africa v England
New Zealand v Argentina
Fiji v Australia
Bowl quater finals:
Scotland v Namibia
Portugal v Kenya
Russia v Zimbabwe
USA v France
